NEWS ARCHIVE

Battle brewing over Kenosha casino proposal

Proposed casino still needs approval from governor

A proposed casino in Kenosha could mean a big boost for jobs in the area but some say it'll hurt Milwaukee.

Battle brewing over Kenosha casino proposal

Proposed casino still needs approval from governor

Share

Shares

Copy Link

{copyShortcut} to copy
Link copied!

Updated: 9:49 PM CDT Aug 24, 2013

KENOSHA, Wis. —

A proposed casino in Kenosha could mean a big boost to jobs in the area, but some are opposing the plan, saying it will hurt Milwaukee.

"It's a great day in Kenosha County," said Kenosha County Executive Jim Krueser.

Advertisement

Krueser made the comment Saturday after the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs gave the Menominee nation the green light to build a casino at the former Dairyland Greyhound Park.

"The announcement by the B.I.A. is certainly a big step forward and could be a big step forward for our economic development in terms of jobs and tourism," said Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman.

Some predict a new casino could add 3,000 jobs to Kenosha County, but opponents like the Forest County Potawatomi who own the Potawatomi casino in Milwaukee believe Milwaukee could lose 3,000 jobs or more if a new casino is built. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett agrees.

"Potawatomi provides a lot of jobs here and we don't want to lose those jobs, and that's our primary concern. It's a good citizen and it does a lot of good things for the community," said Barrett.

The proposed casino still needs approval from Gov. Scott Walker. He said he wants all the tribes in the state of Wisconsin to form a consensus before he makes a decision.